Common houseleek

Sempervivum tectorum

Layer 5 · Ground cover
Ground cover

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the mountainous areas of central and southern Europe, it is an extremely drought-resistant succulent. It grows forming dense rosettes that carpet the ground and rocky areas without requiring watering. It is ideal for the ground cover layer in dry microclimates or green roofs.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees common houseleek grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Succulent up to 0.15 m
Mature diameter: 0.3 m
Soils: Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The fresh juice of the leaves is applied to the skin to soothe burns, insect bites and minor wounds.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.